JONATHAN DAVIS: ‘SEPULTURA’s ‘Roots’ Was Just A Blatant KORN Rip-Off’

In a new interview with Metal Hammer, Jonathan Davis has recalled thinking that SEPULTURA’s 1996 album Roots was a “blatant KORN rip-off.”

Asked if he’s proud of the bands KORN have inspired in their 23-year career, Davis says: “Yeah. SLIPKNOT were inspired by what we did, but they took it and did their own thing, which is fucking amazing.

“One that I thought was a big compliment, but I also thought was fucked up, was SEPULTURA’s Rootsalbum. That was just a blatant KORN rip-off, and I had it out with producer Ross Robinson about that, because he just took our sound and gave it to SEPULTURA.

“My young brain couldn’t handle it. But they were one of our biggest influences, so I guess they get a pass. And that’s a classic album, so it’s all good.”

KORN guitarist James ‘Munky’ Shaffer adds: “Here’s the thing – that was us trying to imitate them! When SEPULTURA released Chaos A.D. in 1993, that was a huge influence on us, and it’s still one of my favourite records. Now I’m older, I can appreciate art inspiring art.”